Barry happy with decision

18 January 2008 09:40

Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry is pleased that he decided to stay with the club rather than leave in the summer of 2006.
Barry has spent his entire career at Villa Park but became disillusioned and did think about leaving the club before signing a new four-year deal.
He admitted: "Whether or not I remained at Villa was a big decision I had to make.
"I had some concerns but I put faith in the new manager (Martin O'Neill) and what he told me, and what he felt the club could achieve, and at the moment we are making the right strides.
"So far, it has been a great decision for myself and the club.
"From day one we were looking for improvement. Although people could say last season was a bit of an average season, we definitely made a few steps forward on and off the pitch.
"The supporters started coming back in droves and again this season the attendances have been very high.
"We went from 16th place to finishing 11th in the Premier League last season and this time around we are now being talked about for Europe."